Pass

Pass is a versatile term with several distinct meanings across fields. As a verb, it denotes the act of moving past or beyond something, of transferring something to another person, or of succeeding in an examination or assessment. It can also mean to allow something to proceed or to decline, as in passing on a decision.

As a noun, pass has several common senses. A mountain pass is a navigable route through a mountain range, often offering a lower elevation or easier terrain than surrounding peaks. A passport is an official document that certifies identity and citizenship for international travel. In sports, a pass is a deliberate transfer of the ball or puck from one player to a teammate, a fundamental action in many games.

In legislative and administrative contexts, to pass a law or bill means to approve it, allowing it to become law or move to the next stage of consideration. In computing and data processing, a pass refers to one traversal or stage in a multi-phase process, such as a compiler pass that analyzes or transforms source code.

Less common uses include geographic passes named after nearby features, and phrases such as "pass muster" meaning to meet required standards. The term remains highly polysemous, with the intended meaning determined by context.